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Game ratings body founded on 'Islamic values' is announced

At the Dubai World Game Expo a new game ratings board has been formed by Index Holding and the Iran National Foundation Of Computer Games.

It's to be called the Entertainment Software Rating Association (ESRA) and evaluates games against the 'criteria' of Islamic values; it will help studios.

“The approach of Islam is based on human being innateness “Al Fitra”, and the most important innate trends are truth, virtue, benevolence, excellence tendency, innovation and creativity," said Dr. Behrouz Minaei of Iran's videogame foundation.

Many game releases involving violence, drug references and sexual suggestion are banned outright for sale in the conservative Islamic nations of the Middle East. The ESRA will be focusing on informing parents what content their children have access to.

“We as organisers endorse this initiative which aims at evolving the Islamic values and maintain the conservative aspect within the children and the society in general," said Index Holding's Anas Al Madani.

"We are keen on encouraging game developers and publishers to use the ESRA system, as it enables publishers to understand the nature of the Islamic society and the different aspects that it emphasizes." Many studios begrudge cuts being made for videogame releases in Germany and Australia, and 'Islamic values' will be even tougher.